Jackass Flat & Butler Canyon Trail

Jackass Flat & Butler Canyon Trail is a 14.5 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Borrego Springs, California that offers scenic views and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, trail running, and backpacking and is best used from November until April.

DISTANCE

14.5 miles

ELEVATION GAIN

1440 feet

ROUTE TYPE

Out & Back

backpacking

hiking

trail running

walking

views

blowdown

no dogs

The best way to hike this route is to follow Jerry Schad's route. Hike up Rockhouse Road to Hidden Spring. Take the old Indian path up the side of the canyon, left of Hidden Spring, to Jackass Flat. Hike the south side of Jackass Flat west and take Butler Canyon back to your car. It's about a 10 mile hike which shaves almost 5 miles off of this suggested route. Lots of walking through sand but easy to navigate.

A lot of hiking through the sand. Some rock climbing on the trail. Good views of the flat lands. It was hot hiking in February but there were enough shaded spots provided by the canyon walls to give you a break.